Heather Brient-Johnson

Heather Brient-Johnson is a Biology Instructor in the Biology Department at Inver Hills Community College with nearly two decades of teaching experience, instructing courses including General Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science, and Environmental Science for both majors and non-majors.

Education:

• M.S. in Biology (Mammalogy and Physiological Ecology), University of Minnesota Duluth
• B.S. in Zoology/Animal Biology, Ohio University
• B.F.A. in Theater, Ohio University

Her research spans mammalogy and physiological ecology, with extensive fieldwork on small mammal populations and specimen preparation. She integrates environmental science perspectives into her teaching and has contributed to public education on wildlife through DNR collaborations and outdoor presentations.

Dr. Brient-Johnson's publications reveal dual expertise in terrestrial mammalogy and marine invertebrate morphology, demonstrating consistent scholarly engagement with animal physiology across diverse ecosystems since the early 1990s.

Scientific Awards:

• Awards for Excellence (2006, 2008)
• Golden Apple Award (2013, 2014)

She actively mentors students through the Phage Hunters project with the University of Minnesota Bacteriophage Institute (2013-present) and supervises research presented at the Inver Hills Annual Research Conference, emphasizing hands-on scientific inquiry.

Her work extends beyond campus through the Phage Hunters collaboration and community engagement in naturalist education, reflecting commitment to both academic and public scientific literacy.